These works explore movement and emotion born within physical limitation.
Rendered solely in pencil, the monochrome world may appear silent, yet carries inner speed and temperature.
Acts such as flying, swimming, and resisting recur—symbols of unheard voices and unspoken wishes.
Because the body cannot move freely, the will to advance is poured onto paper.
Drawing is not merely a technique, but a way to carve the contours of existence.
Centered around the hanging scroll piece Life to Dream, the series unfolds a quiet yet persistent will.

Reframing Tradition: A Contemporary Japanism
For this exhibition, Meli presents two interconnected series that reinterpret classical Japanese motifs—Hanafuda playing cards and Kamon family crests—through a contemporary, deeply personal lens.
“The Five Majesties” revives the five most revered Hanafuda cards to express timeless values like gratitude and resilience.
“Meli-MON” deconstructs Kamon into playful, organic forms—featuring motifs like mirrored horses and auspicious cranes—inviting joy and reflection.
One interactive piece even invites audiences to co-create.
Blending embroidery and paint, Meli breathes new life into tradition, transforming heritage into a shared source of beauty, meaning, and HOPE.

The theme of this exhibition is The Seven Lucky Gods have come to America!
We hope to spread the energy of the Japanese gods and the support of each of the Seven Lucky Gods from New York to all of America.